Stopića Cave
Zlatiborski okrug
Stopića Cave is one of Serbia's most notable caves, located between the villages of Trnava and Rožanstvo in the Zlatibor region. It is a river cave through which the Trnavski stream flows, featuring an impressive entrance measuring 35 meters wide and 18 meters high. The cave extends for approximately 1,691.5 meters and encompasses an area of around 7,911.5 square meters. It is composed of five main parts: the Bright Hall, the Dark Hall, the Hall with Pools, the Channel with Pools, and the River Channel. While the entrance halls have sparse speleothems due to the influence of external climate, the Hall with Pools is rich in tufa pools of various sizes and depths, some reaching up to seven meters, making it unique in Serbia. The cave walls exhibit formations resembling animals and objects, such as elephants. The cave is home to specialized fauna including blind bats, spiders, and white-colored river crabs that have lost pigmentation due to the absence of natural light. Six skylights connect the cave ceiling to the surface, enhancing its natural morphology. Since 2005, Stopića Cave has been protected as a natural monument by the Serbian government, recognizing its exceptional morphological and hydrological features, as well as its endemic cave flora and fauna. It was opened to tourists in 2009 with developed pathways and viewing points including a waterfall called "Source of Life" and the "Dog's Grave" tufa formation. Managed by the Zlatibor Tourist Organization, the cave offers a unique insight into karst phenomena and underground river systems within a scenic mountainous setting.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Stopića Cave is during the warmer months when the cave pathways are most accessible and the water features are active. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Purchasing tickets in advance can help avoid queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. The cave offers guided tours that provide detailed insights into its geology and biology. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Check the official Zlatibor tourism website or contact the visitor center for updated opening hours and reservation options.
Faits intéressants
- •Stopića Cave has one of the largest cave entrances in Serbia, measuring 18 meters in height and up to 40 meters in width.
- •The cave contains tufa pools with depths reaching up to seven meters, which are among the largest in Serbia.
- •Blind bats, spiders, and white river crabs inhabit the cave; the crabs lost their pigmentation due to the absence of natural light.
- •The cave features formations on its walls that resemble animals like elephants.
- •There are six skylights (openings) in the cave ceiling, each connected to side channels, with the largest skylight being 22 meters long and 16 meters wide.
Histoire
Interest in Stopića Cave dates back to the early 20th century, with the first written records appearing in the Serbian Geological Society's journal in 1901.
The pioneering speleological research was conducted by Jovan Cvijić, a founder of scientific speleology, between 1909 and 1913.
The cave derives its name from the nearby hamlet of Stopići.
In 2005, the Serbian government designated the cave as a protected natural monument due to its unique geological and ecological features.
It was developed for tourism and opened to visitors in 2009, with infrastructure enhancements to facilitate safe exploration and appreciation of its natural beauty.
Guide du lieu
Bright Hall
The entrance area of the cave characterized by bare, rocky walls and sparse speleothems due to exposure to external climate conditions.
Dark Hall
A section deeper inside the cave with similar characteristics to the Bright Hall, having minimal cave decorations and rocky walls.
Hall with Pools
A 30-meter long hall covering approximately 450 square meters, rich in tufa pools of various sizes and depths, considered the cave's most valuable feature.
Channel with Pools
A continuation from the Hall with Pools where rainwater and snowmelt enter the cave, featuring large tufa pools distinct in size and depth.
River Channel
The natural underground river channel through which the Trnavski stream flows inside the cave.
Cave Entrance
One of the largest cave entrances in Serbia, measuring 18 meters in height and between 30 to 40 meters in width, located at 711.18 meters above sea level.
Contact
Téléphone: 031 841646